The result also allowed for a more reflective assessment from pundits who, as former United captains, seem to have spent so long being critical of their old club.
Gary Neville was delighted at the overall sense of control and impetus at the club, which comes from the presence of a new chief executive in Omar Berrada and sporting director in Dan Ashworth.
“Man Utd need to be a serious football club and it looks at least like that is happening,” he said.
“The prices [being paid for players] seem to be better. It was embarrassing in large parts of last season and pathetic in certain games. Where they are now is a strong position. I feel more optimistic.”
Zirkzee’s display included a nonchalant celebration that matched the way in which he took the goal, sweeping Alejandro Garnacho’s right-wing cross into the bottom corner with the minimum of fuss.
“It was a brilliant finish,” said Roy Keane. “He was neat and tidy in the link up. United need to punish teams more but they were a threat and to score on your debut is huge.”
There was complication around Zirkzee in the summer.
Ten Hag revealed the 23-year-old ended last season with an injury which was going to rule him out of Euro 2024 only for further injuries to the Dutch squad to mean he was picked by Ronald Koeman anyway.
It meant Zirkzee had an extended break off the back of not being fit, meaning he had to be managed carefully when he did report for pre-season training, which is why he was on the bench throughout the Community Shield defeat by Manchester City at Wembley.
“We had to look at every individual and he had to build up some deficits,” said Ten Hag.
“He has some attributes we didn’t have and straight away he showed it. He is very good in his linking up combinations – but he has to arrive in the box to score goals. That is what he did today.”